RAGTIME THE MUSICAL in Concert to Launch 2017 Season at Washington Crossing Open Air Theatre

The Washington Crossing Open Air Theatre in Titusville, N.J. re-opens for its 2017 summer season launching the first of six scheduled productions in an abbreviated season that will continue through August. Opening Friday, June 2 and continuing through Sunday, June 11, "Ragtime the Musical" will be performed in concert. Performances are Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 p.m.

At the dawn of a new century, everything is changing ... and anything is possible. Set in turn-of-the-century New York, the stories of an upper-class wife, a determined Jewish immigrant and a daring young Harlem musician unfold. All three share a desire and belief in a brighter tomorrow in their pursuit of the American Dream.

With book by Terrence McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, "Ragtime the Musical" was nominated for 13 Tony Awards winning Best Book and Best Musical Score. The celebrated score includes "Wheels of a Dream," "Back to Before" and the title song, "Ragtime."

The Open Air Theatre's concert version of "Ragtime the Musical" features performers well known to area audiences. Tim Chastain will play Coalhouse Walker Jr. Chastain delighted audiences during the 2016 season when he took on the role of Sebastian in Disney's "The Little Mermaid." Michael Moeller returns to the stage as Tateh. Moeller has been seen in numerous leading roles over the past 7 seasons including King Triton in Disney's "The Little Mermaid" and Zaza/Albin in "La Cage aux Folles." Anna Hentz will be seen as Mother and previously played another mother, Mama Rose in "Gypsy" during the 2013 season. David Whiteman will play Grandfather and received rave reviews for his portrayal of King Arthur in the 2015 and 2016 productions of "Monty Python's Spamalot."

This production will welcome three actors appearing in their first production at the outdoor venue. Matthew Robertson of Yardley, Pa. will play Younger Brother, Sarai Cole of Trenton, N.J. will play Sarah and Katie Rochon of Lawrenceville, N.J. will play Evelyn Nesbit.

The Washington Crossing Open Air Theatre production of "Ragtime the Musical" in concert will be performed on Friday, June 2, Saturday, June 3 and Sunday, June 4 at 7:30 p.m. The show returns for a second weekend of performances June 9, 10 and 11. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children (ages 12 and under) and $12 for seniors (ages 65 and older.) Tickets can always be purchased at the Open Air Theatre Box Office a half-hour prior to the performance. Group discounts are available.

For information about the productions scheduled for the 2017 season, directions and more, visit the website at www.downtownpac.com. The Washington Crossing Open Air Theatre is located inside Washington Crossing State Park at 455 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road in Titusville, New Jersey. Box Office phone is (267) 885-9857.

To post a comment, you must register and login.